Quantitative detection of serum hepatitis B wild type virus and the precore mutant genomes using competitive polymerase chain reaction in patients with HBeAg (-) chronic hepatitis B
Zhang, X.; Xiong, S.; Lu, Z.
Zhonghua Shi Yan he Lin Chuang Bing du Xue Za Zhi 11(1): 33-36
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 1003-9279 PMID: 15619900 Document Number: 481795
We set up a competitive PCR assay to obtain simultaneously a quantitative estimation of HBV wild type (M0) and precore mutant (M1 M2) genomes in sera of patients with HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B and their evolution during antiviral therapy. The results showed that the amount of HBV DNA declined to undetectable levels very rapidly after the beginning of therapy in responders, while in non responders, the amount of viral genomes decreased but without becoming negative. Wild type viral strains (M0) seemed to be more sensitive to interferon as compared to precore mutant strains (M2). This method may be useful to study the course of viral infection and to evaluate the efficacy of antiviral therapy.